To Lydia, Danene, Jane and all those in the early October flicker
discussion: See Birding, Oct '97 p420: "Flicker Futures," by Paul A.
Debenedictis. This article discusses the ongoing research into whether or
not red-shafted and yellow-shafted NORTHERN FLICKERS are one or two species,
and gives a handy "Hybrid Index" chart to assess individual birds. Back
issues can be ordered from ABA, or I can give you highlights if you e-mail
me privately.

In my neighborhood, only about fifty percent of the many flickers are 100%
Red-Shafted, though some of the plumage variations can be subtle. And yes,
there are many variations of color from yellow to orange to dark red-orange,
in the shafts. The mystery is how such a far-flung corner of the country
turns out to be an overlap range.

Diane Yorgason-Quinn
Gig Harbor, WA
Avosetta at hotmail.com

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